and last but not least, the religious beliefs. I have always found this last topic of special interest—whether educating myself about denominational differences or those between the major world religions. Growing up half Jewish, half Christian, and having friends from all backgrounds including a Mexican Catholic friend from high school, a Syrian Muslim tennis partner and atheists friends from all walks of life. Despite these big religious differences, people have basically the same life questions and goals. In fact, most of my observation leads me to believe that most religions care about simply being “good people” and leading a “successful” life. That is one universal truth.
When asking a Buddhist in Vietnam what “good” meant, he replied “You know….no stealing, murdering, cheating, etc.” Sounds a lot like the Ten Commandments to me=) Yet when I asked him if he followed all of these commandments, he said, “Of course not, no one is perfect”. Exactly!! So being “good” is all relative and in reality, no one meets the standard. Only one person I know, by the name of Jesus Christ, passes the test. Our conversation went on to discuss what happens after this life and he said Buddhism teaches (as he understands) that all people go to hell for 40 plus years to be tortured, then everyone is reborn into their next life, some as animals and others as humans. He says that everyone remembers the torture of hell so they know they should be good in their next life to have a better chance next time. Then he went on to state that only Christians believe in 
heaven. He got me thinking….is that true?
Jewish people believe in living a “good life” and allowing the fruits of your labor to trickle down to generations to come. No afterlife.
Buddhists believe in hell followed by reincarnation-the endless cycle. Although some monks do believe in an eternal state of emptiness known as nirvana. What a goal—to become nothing?!
Atheists-simply said-this life is all you got—make the best of it!
Islam-Teaches a very similar creed to that of the Bible concerning one God, one holy book “The Koran” and a life of discipline and diligence—the best of people which have a chance of going to heaven. Key word here “chance”.
Ironic that the only person “good” enough to get to heaven on His own was killed for doing “bad things” of His time. The people that killed him, both Jews and Gentiles alike, still claim to this day that he was a “good” person—but then why did he have to die? It makes me wonder to this day why Jews, Atheists or Muslims think He was killed? Where is He now? What if He WAS telling the truth and is right—forgiveness of sins through His death alone! Then that leaves a whole lot of people in this world missing out of Heaven. But oh yeah—most religions don’t teach about afterlife, let alone heaven or hell. Why?… because no one would be “good” enough to make it there on their own and according to their beliefs, it is all a guessing game anyways.
It seems to me from an apologetics standpoint—the odds are stacked in Christians favor big time! How do your beliefs weigh in?
